It is now time to begin making summer vacation plans and that usually means a warm sunny place by the sea, plenty of leisure facilities, and nightlife fun. With the weak dollar, that also means a relatively inexpensive place for most Americans, although that also applies to pretty much everyone else in these uncertain economic times. All that essentially summarizes one destination: Algarve.Portugal’s southernmost coast was once known as the end of the world and remains quite a mystical place today. The coast of Sagres (known as the retreat of Prince Henry the Navigator) is just as breathtaking and stunning as in the 15th century, and whitewashed towns such as lovely Tavira remain as charming and timeless as ever.

The rock formations and blue-green waters around Lagos and Ponta da Piedade will remind you of Cabo San Lucas in the Mexican Riviera, but step into the old center of Lagos or Albufeira and you’ll find typically Mediterranean towns (although facing the Atlantic), and a laid-back European atmosphere mixing an exotic Moorish or North African flavor.

Those looking for a more luxurious experience should look for the upscale resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura, which offer world-class golf and just the right amount of pampering to guarantee that you’ll return home feeling refreshed and recharged.

Complete detailed information about all of Algarve is found on the special Portugal section of the Go Lisbon website. It ranks the area’s top 10 beaches and destinations, as well as offer plenty of accommodation options. Algarve has all that you need for the perfect holiday, and GoLisbon.com has all you need to plan it.